Candlestick (One of a Pair) c. 1941

Here we see a candlestick, painted by Juanita Donahoo. A humble object, yet it carries the flame of tradition. The candle itself, a symbol of enlightenment and hope, has flickered through countless eras, from ancient rituals to modern vigils. Observe how Donahoo frames the candlestick: its elongated form echoes the sacred pillars of temples and cathedrals across civilizations, isn’t it? Even in the domestic space, the candlestick elevates the mundane to the spiritual. The decorative elements, like the repetitive leaf-like patterns, evoke the natural world. These patterns remind me of the stylized acanthus leaves found in classical architecture. The interplay between light and dark, inherent in the candle's function, speaks to our primal fascination with overcoming the unknown, illuminating the hidden corners of our psyche. It’s a powerful symbol that transcends time, resurfacing in different forms, each holding a piece of our collective memory.